It recently dawned on me that I’ve written almost every Spotlight on New Releases column since July of 2010.  That’s almost a year and 1/2 of writing about new comics every week for readers of our Heroes Blog.  The biggest lesson I’ve gleaned from this experience is the idea that as a comics reader and critic it’s really important to maintain one’s joy and passion for our industry and hopefully encourage the same in our readers and customers.

Every week there are hundreds of books released, and there won’t always be something groundbreaking or revolutionary hitting the stands.  However, there are always books throughout a given month that entertain us or encourage us to think beyond the scope of our personal experience.  As readers it’s no crime to comment on things we wish were better in comics.  In fact, if you’ve been reading a title or following a character for a few decades, you have a lot invested in comics and should speak your mind.  Let’s remember that we all participate in a truly unique medium where on a weekly basis the opportunity still exists for us to be reminded of the inherent joy that exists within the pages of a comic book.  So with that thought, here are a few things about DC and Marvel comics in 2011 that I believe warrant reflection.

It would be wrong to talk about 2011 without first mentioning the DC reboot.  A gamble on many fronts, DC really took a chance when they decided to restart all of their titles.  The reality of the situation is that DC needed to do something different to try to increase their sales after years of turning in numbers behind Marvel.  They did garner lots of national media coverage for their event, and we did see many new faces excited about comics find their way into our store.  There have already been some concerns about how DC would be maintaining the quality and regularity of creative teams and storylines, but that’s to be expected.  Like it or not, the company did manage to refurbish some of their properties, and whether or not you agree with the strategy or enjoy some of the books, some really entertaining comics were produced.  In Geoff Johns and Jim Lee, Justice League brought two fan favorite creators to the biggest of books and did so with a wide-reaching effect. Brian Azzarello and Cliff Chiang’s Wonder Woman reminded many of us that this is a character who deserves to have talented creators working hard to tell her stories, and that when they do, good comics are inevitable.  Other books like Animal Man and Swamp Thing found a nice balance between horror and mainstream comics, and continue to build toward memorable stories.  The goal for everyone is to see DC do well, have strong creators on titles, and bring in new readership.  If this happens, everyone can benefit.

Marvel Comics had a bit of an unusual year.  DC clearly grabbed the most headlines for their reboot, but Marvel always seems to have a longterm plan, and certainly has multiple film properties to capitalize upon.  Like DC they offered up several new #1 issues with the goal of reaching new readership.  In some cases, as with Mark Waid, Paolo Rivera, and Marcos Martin’s Daredevil #1, Marvel found a solid creative team who managed to tell some great stories by steering the character away from his typical grim and gritty fare, and back toward some of his more swashbuckling roots.  No, this isn’t a reinvention of the wheel, but it is a good, fun comic that more and more readers are starting to enjoy.

Marvel probably grabbed their biggest headlines with their controversial decision to kill of the Ultimate version of Peter Parker/Spider-man.  Regardless of what you think of this decision, the idea that they then introduced a new Spider-man who might reach a wider range of readers is an exciting prospect.  If comics can’t reach a new, young readership base then the industry will continue to change in increasingly dramatic ways over the next decade.  The effort to gain new readers is also a reason for this year’s breaking of the X-men into two separate schools of thought.  With a lineup in Uncanny X-men consisting of darker, more villainous characters like Magneto, Namor, Emma Frost, and a Juggernaut-powered Colossus, and a younger, more lively bunch of mutants being headmastered by Wolverine in Wolverine and the X-men, Marvel has offered up two distinct X books for readers with very different sensibilities.  The latter has also given us some of the year’s most entertaining superhero comics, and has offered writer Jason Aaron an opportunity to explore a different kind of book than he has previously written.  By the same token, with Uncanny X-force Marvel has maintained and grown a steadfast audience for a mutant-centric book that doesn’t quite read or look like X-titles of the past.

Whatever you might take away from comics in 2011, it’s worth noting that like with almost anything in art there can be strong, entertaining possibilities if you look hard enough.  If you find a comic that moves you or offers up great escapism, support it by buying it and encouraging your friends to give it a try.  If you’re unhappy with a book you might have read for a long time, don’t be afraid to put it down for awhile and look for something new.  There are plenty of  books well worth your time and money.  The important thing to me is that we all do our best to try to be positive about our industry, encourage new readership, and support writers and artists who are focused on producing quality comics.

This is really just the tip of the iceberg.  Both companies had plenty more worth mentioning this year, and we’d like to hear from you about what you think.  What DC or Marvel books really impressed you this year?  What book did you buyon a whim and then proceed to pick up every month thereafter?  What are some things in 2012 that you’d like to see, or might be looking forward to?

1) Avengers: The Children’s Crusade #8

With the recent announcement of Marvel’s big 2012 event being Avengers vs. X-men, look for this 9 issue series to increase its popularity in the coming months.  Aside from the fact that this series features Avengers, X-men, and the Young Avengers, its return of Scarlet Witch to prominence will undoubtedly play a role in next year’s event.  Allen Heinberg and Jimmy Cheung are also apparently killing an Avenger in this issue, which may be yet another instigator in the upcoming conflict between the heroes.

2) Shaky Kane’s Monster Truck GN

I first came across Shaky Kane’s name reading Eddie Campbell’s excellent Alec series.  At that point it was just a name associated with an artist whose work I hadn’t seen.  Then, last year fellow Heroes staffer Justin Crouse recommended a book called the Bulletproof Coffin by David Hine and one Shaky Kane.  To my surprise the art was a strange combination of surreality, psychedelia, and clearly the product of a fan of Silver Age comics.  This week’s Monster Truck is another fine example of this captivating artist.  Spread out over the 50 page continuous single panel are an assortment of American pop culture bits including zombies, killer clowns, car-sized insects, dinosaurs, monsters, and classic cars.  It’s also quite poetic in a strange, quirky way.

3) Justice League Dark #4

There have been quite a few customers who have mentioned how much they’re enjoying this tale of supernatural Justice Leaguers.  For those who might not like the more mainstream of DC’s 52 titles, this one might be a good one for you to pick up.  Following the exploits of darker characters like John Constantine, Deadman, Zatanna, Madame Xanadu, and Shade the Changing Man, this title benefits from veteran Vertigo writer Peter Milligan, as well as the appropriately horror-tinged art of Mikel Janin.  To top it all off, they get a great cover from artist Ryan Sook every issue.

4) X-men: Schism HC

Wisely, Marvel decided to release a collection of this popular minseries before the end of the year.  Teaming writer Jason Aaron with talented artists like Frank Cho, Adam Kubert, Daniel Acuna, and Carlos Pacheco, this hardcover not only collects the entire 5 issue series chronicling the schism between Wolverine and Cyclops, but also contains Generation Hope #10-11, and the X-men: Regenesis one shot that led directly into the new Uncanny X-men and Wolverine and the X-men series.  Plus, you get almost 225 pages in a hardcover format for considerably less than you would if you were to purcase all the single issues contained in this book.

5) Chase TP

Readers over recent years have really responded to the dynamic art of J.H. Williams III.  If you’re only familiar with his work on books like Batwoman, Promethea, and Detective Comics, this week DC collects one of his popular series from the olden days of the 1990s.  This title was interesting in that it focused on a shady government organization that monitored superheroes, while allowing it all to be seen through the eyes of one of the agents who began to develop strange abilities of her own.  In addition to collecting the entire Chase series, included here are also lots of other Chase appearances from that time.  Over 350 pages of comics for under $30!

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Aquaman #4, Captain America # 5 AND 6, Flash #4, Kick Ass 2 #6, Batman: The Dark Knight #4, Walt and Skeezix HC vol. 5, and Spaceman #3.

It’s Christmas week here at Heroes and we’re all working hard to make sure you have lots of comics to enjoy as we wrap up 2011.  Here are just a few of the books that will hit stands this Wednesday.  All of us at Heroes hope you and yours have a blessed holiday season.

1) Batman Incorporated: Leviathan Strikes #1

This 80 page oneshot from Grant Morrison, Chris Burnham, and Cameron Stewart picks up right where the acclaimed Batman Incorporated series left off.  Not only should this issue answer several unanswered questions left from that series, but it’s said to finally reveal the true identity of the mysterious Leviathan.

2) Wolverine and the X-men #3

This series continues to deliver solid, enjoyable comics that seem to be giving X-men fans lots to be happy with, like an amped up Iceman, fun new characters like a Brood student and Kid Gladiator, and the new Hellfire Club running amok with their very own Wendigo and Sauron!  If you haven’t already, pick up the first three issues this week and you’re guaranteed to have some great comics to read over the holiday weekend.  Kudos to Jason Aaron and Chris Bachalo for making the X-men fun again.

3) Wonder Woman #4

Why not talk one more time this year about the comics bliss that is Brian Azzarello and Cliff Chiang’s Wonder Woman?  Equal parts horror, mythology, and super hero tale, the talented pair have delivered one of the best comics of DC’s 52 relaunch.  Do yourself a favor and get acquainted with the work of Cliff Chiang before you meet him at the Charlotte MiniCon.  Aside from having a broad catalog of comics work, Cliff always delivers quality art on whatever book he illustrates.  Wonder Woman is just another example of that.

4) Tales Designed to Thrizzle #7

Michael Kupperman returns with the latest volume of his hilarious comic.  Riding high off the critical acclaim he received for this year’s Mark Twain’s Autobiography1910-2010, in this issue Kupperman offers up stories like Saint Peter Comics, Hamanimal, Reservoir Dogs 2, and Twain and Einstein.  Kupperman’s one of the best when it comes to solid comics storytelling, nice line work, and abounding humor.

5) Uncanny X-force #19

Rarely do you get a chance to read two new issues of a title two weeks in a row, so if you’re an X-force fan, take advantage of it this week.  Rick Remnder kicks off the next chapter of X-force with a new direction, new members, and the debut of new artist Robbi Rodriguez, who is sure to garner attention for his work on this book.

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Lady Mechanika #3, Tony Millionaire’s 500 Portraits, Activity #1, Fantastic Four #601, Sergio Aragones’ Funnies #6, Batman #4, Jubilee by Robert Kirkman TP, and Art of Joe Jusko HC.

1) Avengers X-Sanction #1

This series not only brings Cable back to the present day Marvel universe, but sets up 2012’s huge Avengers vs. X-men crossover.  Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness helm this four issue limited series that features Cable trying to destroy the Avengers.  If you stop by the store this week make sure to pick up one of our Heroes exclusive variant covers for this issue.  These were printed just for us, and are extremely rare, but you can be sure to find them at Heroes.

2) Jim Henson’s The Storyteller HC

You might not remember the television series of the same name, but if you loved the recent Muppets movie, here’s your chance to delve further into the genius work of Jim Henson.  Archaia brings the t.v. show’s premise of a storyteller and his dog to the comics medium in a logical anthology format with the help of creators like Roger Langridge, Jeff Parker, Ron Marz, Marjorie Liu, Paul Tobin, Craig Rousseau, Tom Fowler, Francesco Francavilla, Janet Lee and more.  Aside from being a great gift idea, this one will undoubtedly be an enjoyable book because you know the contributers all have lots of love and respect for Henson.  That’s bound to show in their work.

3) Uncanny X-force #18

If you haven’t yet given Uncanny X-force a try, you’re missing out on one of the most consistently well done and entertaining X books on the shelves.  This week sees the end of Rick Remender and Jerome Opena’s Dark Angel Saga, and Marvel has hinted that at least one character might meet his/her demise in this issue.  This issue also sets up issue 19’s new creative team of returning writer Remender and new artist Robbi Rodriguez, who is a talented artist deserving more attention for his quality work.

4) Rocketeer Adventures HC

One of 2011’s best anthologies receives hardcover treatment this week.  Paying tribute to the late Dave Stevens, IDW brought together a veritable who’s who of modern comics greats to bring new stories of Steven’s most celebrated creation back to comics.  Among the contributers are Mike Allred, Darwyn Cooke, John Cassaday, Dave Gibbons, John Arcudi, Ryan Sook, Mark Waid, Bruce Timm, Kurt Busiek, Tony Harris, Tommy Lee Edwards, Alex Ross and many others.  Like this week’s The Storyteller, you know the creators involved with this project worked as a labor of love to Stevens and his inimitable contribution to the comics industry. Dig that pin up from the talented Stephanie Buscema!

5) Carnage U.S.A. #1

Zeb Wells and Clayton Crain always do well with their Carnage mini series, and this one should please fans.  This time around the pair send America’s favorite murderous symbiote to America’s heartland, where his violent exploits draw the attention and ire of Spider-man and the Avengers.  While this isn’t exactly a family friendly comic to read with your kids around the Christmas tree, it is something Spidey and Carnage fans should really enjoy.

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Batwoman #4, Fables TP vol. 16, Chuck Jones: Dream That Never Was HC, Green Lantern #4, Red Wing TP, Roger Langridge’s Snarked #3, Shade #3, Batgirl #4, and Witchblade #150.

1) Defenders #1

Matt Fraction and Terry Dodson bring us a new incarnation of the Defenders this week.  This title has always been an odd one to grasp for some readers, but the creators and characters included on this launch suggest that Marvel is trying to raise the status of this brand.  There are classic Defenders like Doctor Strange, Silver Surfer and Namor around again, but this time there are also characters like Red She-Hulk and Iron Fist in the mix.  Suffice to say, this won’t be like the Secret Defenders title of the ’90’s.

2) Animal Man #4

Animal Man has quickly become one of the highest regarded of DC’s new 52 titles.  Though the book is quite horror-based for a mainstream DC book and could easily have been included among the Vertigo titles, it is maintaining its quality thus far because creators Jeff Lemire and Travel Foreman balance the literal horrors with the psychological stresses of parenthood and the need to protect your kids against all kinds of threats.  This juxtaposition has its drama increased by the fact that Animal Man’s young daughter has developed scary powers of her own.  The result is a multilayered story of a family struggling with numerous difficulties, all wrapped in the bright colored trappings of a superhero comic

3) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Micro Series #1 Raphael

IDW’s recent success with their new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic has paved the way for this first of several micro series.  The solo Raphael tale is told by Brian Lynch and Franco Urru, and sheds new light on the cantankerous Turtle, while also featuring cameos from other popular characters in the Turtle-verse.  Plus, check out that nice cover from Mouse Guard’s David Petersen!

4) Bad Doings and Big Ideas: A Bill Willingham Deluxe Edition HC

Fans of Fables might not realize that creator Bill Willingham had a lengthy career in comics long before he crafted that acclaimed series.  This 450+ page monster hardcover reprints lots of Willingham’s pre-Fables Vertigo work all in one handy collection.  In addition to the entire miniseries Proposition Player, featured here are several of Willingham’s minseries and oneshots set in the world of the Sandman, including Merv Pumpkinhead: Agent of D.R.E.A.M., which features art from his Fables collaborator Mark Buckingham.  Also worth mentioning are some of the other collaborators represented here, namely Bernie Wrightson and Kevin Nowlan.

Fun Fact: Beautiful cover painted James Bennett who illustrated the New York Times bestselling picture books “Tell Me A Scary Story… But Not Too Scary,” written by Carl Reiner and “Halloween,” written by Jerry Seinfeld. His conceptually humorous illustrations have appeared as covers and interiors for The New York Times, The L.A. Times, Forbes, Time, Sports Illustrated, Mad, Business Week, New York, Smithsonian, among others. -r.

5) Avenging Spider-man #2

Upon looking over issue one of Avenging Spider-man, several things stood out:  1) Zeb Wells is an underrated writer, and seems to have quietly developed a nice voice for himself in recent years. 2) Though I’m still not crazy about Joe Madureira’s pencils going straight to color without passing through the skilled hands of an inker, this book looks much better than the murky final product of Ultimates 3.  3) In addition to being a really fun read, this book at its best reminded me of the simple, direct entertainment of the old Marvel Team Up title, which is a great compliment.  It’s nice to have a Spider-man book on shelves that isn’t too bogged down with lots of continuity, and thus easily accessible.

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Swamp Thing #4, Johnny Hazard Dailies HC vol. 1, Strange Talent of Luther Strode #3, Superman Secret Origin TP, Jack Kirby’s Fourth World Omnibus TP vol. 1, Mega Man #8, and Detective Comics #4.

1) Spaceman #2

Fans of Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso’s 100 Bullets might’ve been surprised by the cold, sci-fi vibe of the first issue of their new 9 issue series.  It’s certainly a departure for the acclaimed creative duo, but also indicative of their desire to tell a decidedly different kind of story from 100 Bullets.  Check out Heroes staffer Justin Crouse’s recent review of issue one here to delve deeper into this truly odd and thought-provoking original series.

2) T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents vol. 2 #1

Nick Spencer kicks off the second volume of his acclaimed take on one of DC’s more unique properties.  Aided by artist Wes Craig, Spencer continues to explore the notion of people who accept super powers with the knowledge that they bring a death sentence with them.  Also available this week is the trade paperback collection of the first 10 issues of Spencer’s first volume of the series.

3) Uncanny X-men #2

Kieron Gillen and Carlos Pacheco continue their stories of the Cyclops-led X-men.  Aside from a resurrected Mr. Sinister figuring prominently in this initial story, I’m still curious to see how Gillen and Pacheco will set their book apart from the acclaimed Wolverine and the X-men title.  With a roster featuring more villainous mutants like Magneto, Namor, Danger, and a recently Juggernaut-powered Colossus, it seems like this will be the darker X-title.

4) Avengers Origins: Thor

In a previous spotlight I talked about how surprising the art on these Origins one shots has been.  This one features creators Kathryn Immonen and Al Barrionuevo, and more than that, features the story of a young Thor and how he came to obtain Mjolnir.  These stand alone issues are a smart gift idea for new and existing fans of the Thunder god.

5) Walking Dead Omnibus HC vol. 1

This is a perfect gift for fans of zombies or the popular Walking Dead t.v. show.  Collecting the first 24 issues of the popular Image title, this oversized, slip-cased deluxe collection will undoubtedly be a nice edition to anyone horror aficionado’s library.  Buy a copy and Robert Kirkman will send you a Christmas card!  Okay, he won’t, but I’m sure he’ll still appreciate it!

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #4, Batman: Odyssey vol. 2 #2,  Wolverine #19, Absolute Batman: Hush HC, FF #12, and B.P.R.D.: Being Human TP, Red Skull #5, and RASL TP vol. 3.

Happy Thanksgiving week to all our customers, readers, friends, and supporters!  We’re all thankful to be a part of Heroes, and happy to be part of a great comics community.  Here are some of this week’s new books that might help you fight off a potential turkey induced coma.

1) Fantastic Four #600

This is a huge anniversary issue for the FF, and looks to have plenty for fans of all things Fantastic Four.  Rumors are abounding that this one will feature the return of Johnny Storm, but more definite is the fact that Galactus, Annihilus, the Inhumans, and the entire Future Foundation will be on hand for this one hundred page mammoth issue.  Among the creators lending their talents to this milstone are an eclectic lineup of creators including Jonathan Hickman, Steve Epting, Leinil Yu, Carmine Digiandomenico, Farel Dalrymple, and Ming Doyle.

2) Aquaman #3

In their quest to make Aquaman one of the pillars of DC’s superhero elite, Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis have done a lot to not only give the character a fresh start, but have also surprised many readers with their version of the water-based hero.  This issue delves into the origins of the mysterious, violent characters the Trench, and addresses why these monsters have started attacking humans.

3) Milk and Cheese: Dairy Products Gone Bad HC

There are lots of reasons to consider this book. 1) It collects every Milk and Cheese comic from 1989 – 2010 along with extras and supplemental material.  That’s almost 250 pages for only $19.99! 2) In a single volume you can see exactly why so many people have been influenced by creator Evan Dorkin. 3) It’s full of subversive humor and a cornerstone of the underground comics movement.  4) It’s got this endorsement from comics genius David Mazzucchelli (of Asterios Polyp and Batman: Year One): “Evan’s calcium-rich creations are guaranteed to spread lactose intolerance everywhere.”  Do you really need any other reasons to pick this one up?

4) Wolverine and the X-men #2

With issue #1 all kinds of comics readers found an X-men book that had much of the joy they remembered about X-titles from decades past, as well a book that seemed less mired in many of the continuity problems of recent years.  A fresh start, a focused plan, and a fun, energetic comic that could only be brought to us by creators Jason Aaron and Chris Bachalo, both of whom really seem to be in top form on this title.

5) Parker Martini Edition HC

Want to have an awe-inspiring book on hand at Thanksgiving to turn some of your family members on to comics?  Darwyn Cooke’s Parker books are ones I’ve frequently lent out or shown to family or friends to show them that comics can be as entertaining for adults as they are for kids.  This deluxe edition from IDW collects Cooke’s first two Parker books The Hunter and The Outfit, and also boasts nearly 70 pages of additional material including lots of artwork and a brand new 8 page story only available here.  While all this is worth the price, the biggest selling point for me is that you get 334 pages of Darwyn Cooke story and art in a 9 x 13 format!

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Mighty Thor #8, Justice League Dark #3, Kick Ass 2 #5, Shade #2, Rocketeer Jetpack Treasury Edition, Dark Horse Presents #6, and Pogo: Complete Syndicated Strips HC vol. 1.

1) Wonder Woman #3

Brian Azzarello and Cliff Chiang continue their acclaimed run on this classic hero with this week’s third issue.  Aside from Azzarello’s unique inclusion of darker elements of mythology, it’s really hard to overstate just how good Chiang’s work on this book has been thus far.  If you’ve never read Wonder Woman before, now is a great time to start.

2) Batman #3

Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s Batman has focused on the darkness of Gotham City, as well as Batman in his detective role.  It’s also shaping up to be one of the more well-rounded runs on the book in recent years.  The pair continue to delve into the mystery of the Court of Owls this week, and as in Snyder’s recent Batman: Gates of Gotham miniseries, will be uncovering elements of Gotham’s past as well.

3) Captain America #4

The delayed fourth issue from Ed Brubaker and Steve McNiven finally hits stands this week.  With Steve Rogers back as Captain America, this series has been looking to Cap’s past to help establish a new role for him in the present.  It should be interesting to see how Brubaker’s other upcoming Marvel work will tie into this title.  I’d like to remind everyone again about Fear Itself #7.1 that was released a few weeks ago.  If you’re a Cap fan, you definitely should pick up that stand alone issue that will set up all things Cap leading into 2012.

4) Avengers #19

The cover should give you a clue who will comprise the main Avengers lineup. With the Avengers film hitting theaters next year, it looks as though Marvel may be stabilizing this book and capitalizing on it as a place to build interest in their other potential film options.  Regardless of all those possibilities, longtime fans will be happy to see Black Panther and Vision back in the Avengers picture.  It’s also worth mentioning that Daniel Acuna has been turning out some really nice art over the past two issues.

5) Justice League #3

Geoff Johns and Jim Lee introduce Wonder Woman to the Justice League with this issue.  While Lee has crafted fan favorite runs on Batman and Superman before, he’s never really had the opportunity to illustrate the Amazonian Princess for more than a few issues at a time before now.  It’s a safe bet to assume he’s been looking forward to telling a Wonder Woman story for a while, and this issue might be the start of it.

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Fear Itself #7.3, Paul Grist’s Mudman #1, Who Is Jake Ellis? TP, Nightwing #3, Incredible Hulk #2, John Carter: A Princess of Mars #3, and Bone: One Volume Color 20th Anniversary Sliplcase Edition.

Roger Langridge has been a part of HeroesCon for several years now, and has become one of the anchors of Indie Island.  Roger is a cartoonist who manages to garner respect and enthusiasm from a wide gamut of readers.  Kids love his comics, other cartoonists study his line work, and comics retailers appreciate the accessibility of his books.  He’s also a creator who manages to be as adept at crafting entertaining comics for properties that he didn’t create (The Muppet Show), as he is with characters he did (Fred the Clown).  Above all, if you’re lucky enough to talk to Roger, aside from the fact that he’s a genuinely nice person, you immediately understand that this is a guy who is passionate about comics.  He loves this medium, its history, and the possibility of turning new readers onto the joy of comics.  It is that combination of skill, respect, and enthusiasm that makes Roger such an interesting creator, and I’m happy to share a recent interview I conducted with him on the Heroes Blog.

Seth Peagler: First off, Roger, thanks for talking with me. Since issue #2 of Snarked! recently hit stands, I’d like to start there.  Your previous work on Fred the Clown shows that you have a real affinity for wordplay, but it seems like Snarked! is really giving you a chance to stretch out as a writer alongside your artwork. When it came time to do a new original series, was the idea of bringing Lewis Carroll into comics something that you’ve long considered?

Roger Langridge: Well, I’ve played in the Lewis Carroll sandbox a few times before – I did a Frankenstein meets Shirley Temple minicomic on the subject of Carroll, I’ve done some Carroll-inspired Fred the Clown strips, I did a Gonzo Mad Hatter Tea Party in The Muppet Show Comic, and Scott Gray and I did a Doctor Who story, The Autonomy Bug, which featured robot counterparts to a lot of Carroll characters. I’ve read the Alice books many, many times since I was a kid. So I was very familiar with that world before I started. When I was coming up with Snarked!, I had this idea that it would be a much easier sell if it featured some characters who were already familiar to a general audience, even if those characters had been filtered through my own sensibilities to a large extent. And I love writing comedy double acts. So I sort of started with the Walrus and the Carpenter as the central characters and built outwards from there.

RL: I enjoy throwing rhyme into my comics as an added textual (and textural!) element, I’ve done it extensively in both Fred the Clown and The Muppet Show Comic Book, so I thought, if I’m pillaging the works of Lewis Carroll, I might as well pillage his verse while I’m about it. It was a way of trying not to alienate too many of my existing readers as much as anything! I’ve kind of made myself known as “That Guy Who Puts Rhymes Into His Comics.”

1) Avenging Spider-man #1

Zeb Wells and Joe Madureira are kicking off their new Avengers-centric Spidey title this week.  Marking Madureira’s first major super hero comic work since Ultimates 3, there are plenty of his fans who will want to see him on a big book like this one.  The early promo art looks impressive, and while there might be reasons to dislike art that goes from pencils to digital inking and coloring with no involvement from an actual inker, this book looks much tighter than the Ultimates issues did, so pick it up and give it a try!

2) Green Lantern #3

This week’s issue from Geoff Johns and Doug Mahnke features Hal Jordan and Sinestro teaming up to battle the Sinestro Corps.  While the Johns/Mahnke team is enough to get and keep people reading this title, there is a twist at the end of this issue that might be worth checking out for new readers too.  Also available this week are replacement copies of last week’s Red Lanterns, which were unfortunately damaged in transit.

3) Loose Ends #3

The acclaimed Southern Crime Romance from local creators Jason Latour, Chris Brunner, and Rico Renzi continues this week, with a third issue that should surprise you.  Comics fans, creators, and more are taking note of the series strengths, and it is a book that has more than lived up to its hype.  Latour is proving himself a solid writer in addition to his skills as an artist on other books, and Brunner and Renzi seem to have outdone themselves on this issue.  Check out the promo art to get a glimpse at some of Charlotte’s talented comics creators.

4) Fear Itself #7.2

Last week’s Fear Itself #7.1 set up some major story threads that will  affect Captain America and the Marvel Universe in the coming year.  This issue by Matt Fraction and Adam Kubert focuses on Thor, and what happened to him in the fallout of Fear Itself.  Is he dead? Alive? Going through Ragnarok again?  Perhaps you’ll find out in this issue.

5)Marvel Point One #1

This 64 page one shot from Marvel sets up lots of new titles and storylines.  Aside from the return of fan favorite characters (like maybe a Human Rocket), this one also sets up some big surprises, and even has a rumored cliffhanger that will supposedly get people talking.  With a roster of creators including Jeph Loeb, Brian Bendis, Matt Fraction, Ed McGuinness, Bryan Hitch, and Salvador Larocca, Marvel is definitely putting some of their top talent on this book, and there’s probably a good reason for that.

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. #3, Magneto: Not a Hero #1, Batwoman #3, Ultimate Spider-man #4, and the Simon and Kirby Library HC: Crime.